Adolescent pregnancies: complications, birth outcomes and the possible solutions
Abstract
Objectives: In this study we aim to evaluate antenatal, perinatal and postnatal outcomes and complications of adolescent pregnancies, as well as to discuss the social and psychological consequences of these pregnancies.
Material and methods: We compare a total of 243 pregnant women at age 14–18 years to a vast control group at age 19–36 who all delivered at Bursa Yüksek Ihtisas Training and Research Hospital between years 2005–2014.
Results: Antenatal care (folic acid supplementation, pre-conception counseling) was significantly higher in adolescent pregnancy group. Unplanned pregnancy rate was significantly higher in in study group (p < 0.001). Preterm delivery (before 37th week) ratio was statistically higher in pregnancy complications.
Conclusions: Adolescent pregnancy is a social entity which should be regulated and prevented by legal measures. Planned pregnancies should be promoted and the public should be educated and informed about the Hazards of adolescent pregnancies. Press institutions, public broadcasting services support the efforts to decrease adolescent pregnancies.
Keywords: adolescent pregnancysocial resultseducationprevention
References
- Ozer E, Nacar MC, Yildirim A, et al. Underage mothers in Turkey. Med Sci Monit. 2014; 20: 582–586.
- Raatikainen K, Heiskanen N, Verkasalo PK, et al. Good outcome of teenage pregnancies in high-quality maternity care. Eur J Public Health. 2006; 16(2): 157–161.
- Pal A, Gupta KB, Randhawa I. Adolescent pregnancy: a high risk group. J Indian Med Assoc. 1997; 95(5): 127–128.
- Porozhanova V, Bozhionova S, Velkova A, et al. [The perinatal results in underage mothers]. Akush Ginekol (Sofiia). 1995; 34(3): 12–14.
- Curtis HA, Lawrence CJ, Tripp JH. Teenage sexual intercourse and pregnancy. Arch Dis Child. 1988; 63(4): 373–379.
- Chantrapanichkul P, Chawanpaiboon S. Adverse pregnancy outcomes in cases involving extremely young maternal age. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2013; 120(2): 160–164.
- Kawakita T, Wilson K, Grantz KL, et al. Adverse Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Adolescent Pregnancy. J Pediatr Adolesc Gynecol. 2016; 29(2): 130–136.
- Debras E, Revaux A, Bricou A, et al. [Obstetric and neonatal outcomes of adolescent pregnancies: a cohort study in a hospital in Seine-Saint-Denis France]. Gynecol Obstet Fertil. 2014; 42(9): 579–584.
- Girma S, Paton D. Does parental consent for birth control affect underage pregnancy rates? The case of Texas. Demography. 2013; 50(6): 2105–2128.
- Kükner S, Vicdan K, Dabakoğlu T, et al. [Sexual education levels of adolescents]. Journal of Turkish Society of Obstetric and Gynecology. 1993; 7: 138–144.
- Gibson EJ. All Adolescents Deserve Routine Conversations About Sexual Activity and Pregnancy Prevention. Pediatrics. 2016; 137(1).
